5 Ways to Keep Your Pug Healthy

Because of the companionship and loyalty that they provide, many dogs become a beloved member of the family that they belong to. Unfortunately, lots of dog health problems could arise that limit the amount of time that the dog and family can spend together. This could be particularly true for pugs. A pug can be really cute and great to cuddle with, but, unfortunately, pug health problems could shorten their life or cause unhappiness. However, there are several steps that owners can take in order to keep their beloved pup healthy.

1. Watch Weight

Lots of people think that a pug is supposed to be fat and fluffy, but that is not actually true. The reality is that pugs are muscular, solid dogs. By feeding it the proper foods, owners can make sure that a pug has the proper build, and avoid the pug health problems associated with being overweight.

2. Exercise Regularly

Pugs are known to sleep around 14 hours a day, but that does not mean that is the only thing they should do. Taking the dog out for a walk every day because, in addition to help keeping weight down, it helps keep the heart and lungs healthy. Just five minutes a day could be enough.

3. Avoid Smoking

Trouble with breathing is common among pugs, and secondhand smoke can just make that problem worse. So smoking outside, or at least in a different room, is a good idea for owners who do not want to make it more difficult for their dog to stay healthy.

4. Watch the Temperature

A constant over exposure to heat is bad for every dog, but can be especially difficult for pugs to deal with. Lots suffer from problems like heat strokes and heart attacks because they are unable to handle the heat. And, over time, too much heat could cause kidney or heart problems that might have tragic consequences.

5. Keep Teeth Clean

Looking into the mouth of a dog and seeing lots of yellow and dark stains can be a bit gross. However, there are consequences if a dog does not have properly cleaned teeth. Healthy teeth allow pugs to properly chew their food, which could help them avoid intestinal problems like blockages. Dry treats and taking the time to brush can help.

These five tips are just some of the many that owners can practice in order to avoid pug health problems. They might seem simple, and most of them are, but using them regularly requires a bit of discipline. However, if an owner does, they will give their pug the best chance at living a long, healthy life.